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Arthritis and Massage – Kneading ReliefThe connection between arthritis and massage may not seem apparent at first, but massage therapy can provide arthritis relief. The human body is tough and adaptable, yet can be thrown out of balance with stress. Stress, the immune system, arthritis, and depression are linked through the production of a key hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone. This hormone regulates the immune hormone Cortisol. It sounds complicated, but it's important to understand how the body works in order to understand how to deal with imbalances. Learning how massage helps relieve arthritis can be a mobile step towards a more active life. Arthritis is partly the result of hormone overproduction in response to stress. The immune system does not work properly, the body bodily attacks itself in the joints and the defense response is inadequate. The result is the inflammatory disease of rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, people who get rheumatoid arthritis experience higher incidences of depression. It’s probably because of the close relationship of too much stress and its effect on the immune system. Massage can play a big role in alleviating the symptoms of both stress and arthritis. Kneading, rubbing and stroking the muscles, ligaments and tendons create relaxation that restores balance to the delicate body.
Arthritis and Massage – Stimulating WellnessIn a life full of stress, the last thing you need is tense muscles or joint stiffness. There are two kinds of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cripple and cause extreme pain. Osteoarthritis, while not as debilitation as rheumatoid arthritis, is also painful – the result of excessive wear and tear. Arthritis affects not just the bones but also the cartilage. As the arthritis progresses, muscles tighten to compensate for the joint damage and protect the bones. One problem leads to another and that's where arthritis and massage become partners. Understanding how massage helps relieve arthritis can give you pain-free days with greater flexibility than you have experienced in a long while. A massage kneads and soothes the area around a joint to relieve the tension in the muscle. By doing so, the joint pain is reduced as swelling goes down. A massage stimulates the immune system which is an integral part of skin as much as of internal organs. Moving the muscles and surrounding areas of the joints, circulation of blood and lymph is improved. This increases toxin removal from the body. Toxins affect joint operation and exposure is constant through food and air chemicals that are ingested. Using knowledge of arthritis and massage therapy, joint mobility can be greatly improved. A therapist familiar with arthritis and massage benefits understands the physiology of the joint. A massage is directed at the joint, but overall relaxation can help reduce arthritis symptoms also. The benefits of a massage are many.
At your request, I can include aromatherapy to enhance your massage benefits. Essential oils warm the skin and relieve muscle soreness. The massage stretches the muscles restoring flexibility. A massage encourages the body to release endorphins which are natural mood enhancers and pain killers. Arthritis and Massage – Stimulating HealthThe delicate balance in the body can sometimes get out of kilter and result in serious consequences. One of those consequences is arthritis. Arthritis can be painful and result in immobility if left untreated. A massage is a non-medicinal therapy that can relieve painful arthritis symptoms. Arthritis and massage therapy appear to be unrelated terms, but arthritic suffering can be greatly reduced by gentle kneading and stretching of the muscles and tissue surrounding the joint. Visit us for a kneading massage here in Boulder Colorado, to find out more about how massage can help relieve arthritis symptoms. Need more information on arthritis and/or arthritis and massage? Try your search using the search box below:
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